Shining Armor could sense the mares questioning emotions. "Look, Rainbow, I'm not looking for a quick hookup to get over Cadence." the mare looked at him with shock, but he continued. "I came here because my sister said it would be good for me to get out of my room. . .and she was right. I've spent the past couple of months in my room crying and moaning over the loss of my love. But I realize now that I was being a foolish filly. There were signs everywhere. . ." he hung his head low. "I knew for a while that she had been cheating on me, but I could never accept it. Not until now."
Shining sniffled and looked up once again. "I'm sorry. You probably don't want to hear about this stuff. . .Twilight's probably already told you, hm?"
Rainbow Dash took her time to answer. "She. . .said Cadence left you. She didn't say anything about her. . .cheating."
Armor's heart almost stopped as he realized he revealed too much. "O-oh."
"Don't worry, Shining. I won't tell a single soul." the mare moved her hoof over her mouth in a zipping motion and smiled. "But, if you do need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. I may be a tough pony but I have a soft side for my friends."
Shining Armor felt a strange urge rise within him; he had never felt it with Cadence. "Thank you Rainbow Dash."
"Please man, just call me Dashie." she gave him yet another warm smile.
"Okay. . .Dashie." he felt his face heat up slightly as he looked away.
Rainbow Dash couldn't hold back a giggle. "So, how is being the commander of the Royal Guard going?" she asked, genuinely intrigued. "Twilight said that you got promoted."
The two spent the rest of the night together, walking up and down the hallways. Rainbow Dash's laughter filled the air along with Shining Armor's. He took every opportunity to nudge or glance at the mare walking with him.
A feeling was glowing inside of his chest. He hadn't felt it sense the first time he saw Princess Cadence. Please don't fade by the end of the night. he plead with his inner self.
"Oh! There you are brother." Twilight trotted up to the pair, who were smiling like crazy. "Looks like you two had a good night."
Shining Armor pulled his sister close to him. "Thank you Twilight for bringing me here." he hugged her warmly. "You were right. My soul has started to heal."
"Good good!" she hugged him back. "I'm happy to hear that." she gave him a smiled as she pulled away. "The Gala is almost over. I have a few things I need to help Princess Luna with before we depart. I came to tell you to meet me at the front gates when you're ready to go."
He nodded. "I'll be there."
The princess trotted off, a slight spring in her step.
Rainbow Dash bumped his shoulder to get the stallion's attention. "I, um. . .I'm glad we met tonight. I haven't laughed with someone that hard except Pinkie Pie. I'll make sure to keep in touch." she turned and flew off, leaving Shining Armor behind
As he watched her fly off, he noticed that the glow in his chest didn't disappear. In fact, as he watched the mare fly off, it seemed to multiply! He placed a hoof over his heart.
Does she like me? Do I like her?. . .no, I'm not over Cadence yet. . .am I? he continued to battle with himself all the way to the front gates, where he waited patently for his sister.